Here’s something I stumble over almost every time I clone a git repository with submodules.
Those darn folders are empty and using the project fails. Here are two ways to fix that:
Clone With The Recursive Flag
When issuing your git clone, add a --recursive flag. It will look like this:
$ git clone git@github.com:user/project.git --recursive
And as easy as that, your submodules are there.
If you cloned your repo and don’t mind starting over - delete the freshly cloned repository and add that --recursive to the command.
If you don’t want to start over…
Fix Those Submodules With An Init
You can fix your submodules in hindight, with this command:
$ git submodule update --init
This will fill in those missing pieces and you’ll be able to finally get back to interacting with your git project - submodules and all.
As I’m writing this, I’m considering to add --recursive by default when cloning something in the future. This way, I’ll never stumble over broken submodules again.